How To: Inspect Your Bike
Ready for the season? We’ll show you how to prepare your bike for the upcoming season and which parts require special attention.
Looking to get your bike fit for the start of the season and wake it from its well-deserved winter slumber? Then you’d do well to give it a thorough inspection before going on your first big ride. I'll be glad to help you get started!
Brakes
If you brake late, you go faster for longer, but if you can't brake at all, you'll seldom be happy. In this aspect, the brakes are sometimes the most important components on your bike and therefore deserve your full attention.
Tyres
The tyres are the points of contact between your bike and the ground. At the start of the season, it is especially worth taking a thorough look at them. You should change old and worn-out tyres right away to save yourself unnecessary headaches with flats or poor grip on tours.
Drivetrain
No ride is fun without a functioning drivetrain. A chain wear gauge can help you keep an eye on the condition of your drivetrain. It’s a simple-looking tool with a huge impact, as it helps to determine with relative precision when the chain needs to be replaced.
Bearings
Depending on the component, you will have to check various ball bearings in different ways. However, you can always look out for common symptoms that will indicate whether a bearing is still OK or if it should be replaced.
Suspension
Suspension forks and shocks will give you optimum service if you care for them properly. I can only recommend that you clean them after every ride and adhere to maintenance guidelines specified by the manufacturer.
Frames
When giving your bike a tune-up, you should also take a look at the condition of your frame. Sometimes, you have to look for fine cracks in the paint or on weld seams. Make sure to take your time and proceed with appropriate care.
